Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Huntsville, AL (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Virginia Beach is 50% more expensive than Huntsville.

$1,649/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↓ 35%
$90,685/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↓ 22%
$366,300 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$263,100 ↓ 28%
$1,704/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 39%
457,066
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $571/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $6,852/year.

Median household income is $19,907/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Huntsville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Huntsville?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $571/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Huntsville?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $19,907/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Alabama?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with rent of $1,078/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Huntsville details →

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